Wheat and meslin market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the physical volume of the wheat and meslin market in Belgium gradually contracted from 5.2 million tonnes to 4.9 million tonnes. This trend was initially supported by abundant global wheat production and high world stockpiles, which intensified international competition and placed downward pressure on trade volumes. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced moderate supply chain disruptions, though increased global demand for processed wheat products, such as flour and pasta, provided some counterbalance to the overall decline.

Market volume rebounded to 5.3 million tonnes in 2021, primarily fueled by persistently strong worldwide demand, notably from China, coupled with the introduction of new, higher-yielding wheat varieties by major industry players. The dynamics shifted sharply in 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which triggered a historic surge in grain prices due to Black Sea export disruptions. This led to a reduction in the physical market volume to 5.1 million tonnes, while the market's value soared to 1.85 billion US dollars, reflecting the extreme price inflation.

By 2023, the market volume fell further to 4.7 million tonnes, with its value declining to 1.5 billion US dollars. Continued international competition, particularly from Russian and Ukrainian grain exports to the EU, alongside sustained uncertainty over Black Sea shipping corridors, constrained trade flows. Moving into 2024, price volatility remained a key feature, influenced by weather conditions, export levels, and a significant rise in imports of organic wheat, which began altering segment dynamics.

Production wheat and meslin in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

Belgium produced 1 741 thousand tonnes of wheat and meslin in 2020, marking a measured decline of 8.5% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 662 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 1 902 thousand tonnes. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, when production surged by 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Wheat and meslin production in Belgium increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 497.3 million US dollars, reflecting a slight rise of 1.6% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 440.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.7%. Conversely, the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with an 11.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wheat and meslin from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin exports from Belgium declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium exported 527 thousand tonnes, down by 5.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 687 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 23.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with an 18.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the dominant market for Belgium's wheat and meslin exports in kind, accounting for 80.9% of total flows. Other countries collectively made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium exported 150.5 million US dollars worth of wheat and meslin, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 143.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.2%. The peak occurred in 2018 with 182.0 million US dollars, marking the most substantial increase of 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Italy were the dominant buyers of wheat and meslin from Belgium in value terms, together accounting for 80.3% of total exports. Other partners contributed to a less significant portion of the trade.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports wheat and meslin to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Belgium's wheat and meslin import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium imported approximately 3 679 thousand tonnes, which is 2.3% less than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France and Germany consistently accounted for 91.3% of Belgium's total wheat and meslin imports in kind, indicating a high degree of concentration. A long tail of smaller markets made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Wheat and meslin imports to Belgium declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium imported approximately 795.2 million US dollars worth of wheat and meslin, representing a small reduction of 2.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France and Germany clearly dominated Belgium's wheat and meslin imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.3% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares in the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020